India Bars Renewable Energy Projects Within 1 km of Borders

The government of India has made new safety rules for building solar and wind power projects near the country's borders.

New solar, wind and hybrid energy projects cannot be built within 1 kilometre of the border.

The land close to the borders is now called a 'sensitive area,' and projects within 50 kilometres need special permission from the Home Ministry.

Projects within 20 kilometres of one border also need a no-objection certificate from the Defence Ministry.

Companies cannot hire workers from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and China without asking the central government first.

Every project must have its own police post to watch over the construction work.

Companies must also pay for security equipment such as anti-drone systems, which are operated by police.

Buildings near the border cannot be tall, and hotels must be at least 5 kilometres away from the border.

Companies that already received permission before the new rules were announced do not have to apply again.

The government says these rules keep the country safe while still allowing clean energy projects to be built.